Death of autistic boy chilling reminder to caregivers

[Lena Mansah Barnes]

Parents of autistic children 'have that fear within them at all times' CBC News Posted: Jul 23, 2013 3:55 PM ET 

People who work with autistic children in northeastern Ontario are reflecting on the accidental death of a 13-year-old boy last week.

On Friday, Alexandre Guy Lemay of North Bay was hit by a pickup truck on Highway 17, near Coniston.

OPP say the boy, who was autistic, got out of a vehicle and walked into the road.

'Some of them just do not have the perspective of surroundings.'—Rick Grylls, Sudbury Chapter of Autism Ontario

No charges have been laid and police have not released any further details.

Meanwhile, for families and helpers of autistic kids, safety is a constant concern and they need more help, says one autism advocate in Greater Sudbury.

Rick Grylls, who is with the Sudbury Chapter of Autism Ontario, said autistic children are generally much more vulnerable to danger.

“The tragedy and the trauma is just so much on the individuals,” he said.

“In an everyday effort … the professionals that work with them are trained. [But] parents, as they grow older, have that fear within them at all times.”

Grylls said some children with autism can't identify dangers like traffic.

“Some of them just do not have the perspective of surroundings,” he said.

“They don't comprehend traffic or other people, [or] depth perception in some ways. Or they might have no fear.”

A celebration of life will be held for Lemay Wednesday night in North Bay.

[sophiah timah-afreh]

hi auntie Lena,just too bad too bad,i sympathise with the parent of this boy.my deepest condolence.DEAR LORD PLEASE PROTECT OUR AUTISTIC CHILDREN IN JESUS NAME ON A DAILY BASIS.AMEN

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[Lena Mansah Barnes]

Hmmm!!!! Sophia, its really sad and unfortunate. 

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Lena Mansah Barnes

[Ofori Akwetey]

Bad.

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From: Lena Mansah Barnes <man...@gmail.com>
To: ghanaautis...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 4:56 PM
Subject: Re: Death of autistic boy chilling reminder to caregivers

[aba.awere]

Ok ...this is tough...never considered this could be one of the many concerns...this calls for all our support...and a lot more alertness right. ...

Sent from Samsung Mobile

[Lena Mansah Barnes]

@ Aba, hmm this is why we as a community should be aware of what is going on. Wondering is one of the problems children with autism have and unfortunately when this is combined with impulsiveness and the inability to comprehend   what danger is, they are always at risk.

@ Akwetey, we need to create awareness bro.

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Lena Mansah Barnes